Rapid-fire weapon

ABSTRACT

A rapid-fire weapon has a barrel with a projectile insertable into the barrel, which comprises several sub-projectiles disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the barrel and supporting each other. A propellant charge and an ignition means are provided behind each sub-projectile for the sequential ignition of the propellant charges so that the sub-projectiles are successively ejected from the barrel. The sub-projectiles ( 4 ) are firmly connected with each other in the area of the propellant charges ( 6, 6 ′) in each case by means of a mechanical connection and the connections have in each case at least one rated break point ( 7, 7 ′) which is broken in a defined fashion after the ignition of the respective propellant by the pressure of the propellant gases.

The invention relates to a weapon, in particular a rapid-fire weapon.

Such a rapid-fire weapon is e.g. known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,395 orEP-A1-1069394. This weapon comprises a barrel and a projectile that isinsertable into the barrel and comprises several sub-projectiles thatare stacked one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of thebarrel and supported on each other, a propellant charge being providedbehind each sub-projectile. As a rule, the sub-projectiles areaccommodated in a sleeve, the wall of the sleeve being provided withelectric igniters in the area of the individual propellant charges. Theigniters are successively electrically ignited by means of an ignitionmeans and, due to this, the propellant charges are sequentially ignitedso that the sub-projectiles are successively ejected from the barrel.

As a rule, the individual sub-projectiles have a caliber of 40 mm; thefire frequency ranges from 2 to 5 Hz.

Due to the simple stacking of the sub-projectiles in the sleeve, theejection forces cannot be reproduced in a defined manner for theindividual shots. Moreover, the electrical igniters that are alwayspresent in the sleeve are susceptible to corrosion and aging and are notsafe against electromagnetic interferences which, among other things isa problem for transport and storage.

The invention is based on the object of modifying the known rapid-fireweapon so that a reliable function of the rapid-fire weapon is achieved,which is reproducible in the entire sequence of the individual shots.

Moreover, it should also be possible to safely store the weapon with allits parts, including the sub-projectiles, for a long period of time andto safely transport it.

For this purpose, it is a first feature of the invention that thesub-projectiles are firmly mechanically connected with each other in thearea of the propellant charges, a rated break point being provided inthis mechanical connection, which, after igniting the respectivepropellant charge by its propellant gases is broken in a definedfashion.

A second feature consists in that the propellant charges are in eachcase ignited by means of pyrotechnical ignition charges, namely by theirignition jet, i.e. by their propellant gases. The ignition jet of anignition charge enters in each case a ignition duct which penetrates thewall of the barrel and ends in the area of a propellant charge for aspecific sub-projectile.

Due to the firm connection of the sub-projectiles by means of a definedrated break point it is achieved that the sub-projectiles are onlyejected from the barrel if a very specific pressure of the propellantgases has been developed. Thus, the ejection conditions are identicalfor each shot so that the sub-projectiles have the same discharge andflight speeds for each shot and, in the case of a fixed alignment of theweapon, always have substantially the same radius of action. A highreproducible target accuracy is also achieved with this.

The mechanical connection of the sub-projectiles with each other alsohas the further advantage that a separate sleeve for accommodating thesub-projectiles is not required. In order to also create the sameconditions for the sub-projectile located “at the rear” in the directionof the shot, it is supported on a blind flange and is also connectedwith this flange with a defined rated break point through a mechanicalconnection. This blind flange, in turn, is supported on the end of thebarrel and thus holds the individual sub-projectiles with aremechanically connected with each other in a defined position in thebarrel. The unit of sub-projectiles that are bolted to each other andthe blind flange forms the actual projectile and/or the ammunition.

The igniting of the individual propellant charges by means of theignition jet of a pyrotechnical ignition charge has the advantage thatthis ignitioin can be reproduced with utmost reliability; moreover,electrical contacts in the barrel or in a sleeve for the projectiles,which are susceptible to corrosion and aging are avoided. Moreover,there are no problems regarding electromagnetic interferences.

The pyrotechnical ignition charges are preferably combined to one unitfor all sub-projectiles of a projectile, the pyrotechnical ignitioncharges immersing in each case into a receiving opening in the outerwall of the barrel, from which the ignition duct leading to a propellantcharge starts. The individual units may be stored separately from theprojectiles so that there are no problems during transport and storageof the ammunition. The units are only slipped onto the barrel when therapid-wire weapon is used.

Thus, a rapid-fire weapon according to the invention consists of threeelements, namely the barrel, the projectile and the unit of ignitioncharges. These elements are easy to handle and may be separately storedeven for a long period of time and substantially transported without anysafety risk.

The propellant charges are preferably disposed within a casing at therear of each sub-projectile, this casing having a rated break point,where the ignition duct ends. This rated break point is punctured by theignition jet of the respective pyrotechnical ignition charge and then itdirectly impacts on the propellant charge.

Alternatively it is possible to provide the casing with an annular ductextending in its peripheral direction, at least one branch ductbranching off from the annular duct, which extends to the propellantcharge. The annular duct may be provided with a cover which is puncturedupon the ignition of the pyrotechnical ignition charge. Then, theignition flame enters the annular duct and the at least one branch ductso that the propellant charge can be reliably ignited.

In order to achieve in each case reproducible pressure conditions duringthe ignition of the propellant charge when firing a sub-projectile, thesub-projectile to be respectively ejected is supported with its rear onthe subsequent sub-projectile in a pressure-tight manner. Thus, thepropellant gases of the propellant charge spread in a defined volumetill the rated break point is broken.

This pressure-tight supporting can e.g. be implemented so that the rearedge of the casing accommodating the propellant charge is adapted to theshape of the head of the subsequent sub-projectile. Possibly, both thehead of the projectile and the rear edge of the casing may be of aslightly toothed design, whereby, till the breaking of the rated breakpoint between two sub-projectiles, the volume for the propellant chargeis sealed with a high pressure resistance and remains unchanged. Due tothe pressure-tight support it is avoided that propellant gases escapebetween the subsequent sub-projectile and the inner wall of the barrel,whereby the pressure conditions could be influenced in a disadvantageousmanner.

Developments of the invention are revealed by the sub-claims.

The invention is explained in greater detail in examples of embodimentsby means of the drawing, wherein

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rapid-fire weapon according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a part of the rapid-fireweapon according to FIG. 1 with several sub-projectiles stacked uponeach other;

FIG. 3 shows partly sectional view of two sub-projectiles stacked uponeach other;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a projectile composed of severalsub-projectiles for the rapid-fire weapon;

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through a part of a rapid-fireweapon according to a second example of embodiment of the invention.

A rapid-fire weapon 1 is shown in FIG. 1 which comprises a barrel 2 intowhich a projectile 3 (cf. also FIG. 3) consisting of severalsub-projectiles 4, in this case five, which are disposed one behind theother, is inserted. Each sub-projectile 4 comprises a sleeve-shapedcasing 5 at the rear, into which an encapsulated propellant charge 6 iscentrally screwed in. The encapsulated propellant charge 6 for asub-projectile is in each case connected with the head of thesub-projectile located behind it, this connection having a rated breakpoint 7.

An annular duct 8 extending in circumferential direction is provided inthe front area of the propellant charge 6 on the outer circumference ofeach sub-projectile, from which several branch ducts 9 branch off in thedirection to the longitudinal axis of the sub-projectile 4 and lead toan ignition charge 10 for the propellant charge 6.

The annular duct 8 of each sub-projectile is covered with an extensionof a twisted-band 11.

The casing 5 on the rear of each sub-projectile surrounds theencapsulated propellant charge 7 at a distance so that a pressurechamber 12 is formed here; after having been ignited the propellantcharge 6 the propellant gases of the propellant charge 6 enter thispressure chamber via overflow openings 13.

In order to avoid an escape of the propellant gases from this pressurechamber, the casing 5 is supported in a pressure-tight fashion on theogive, i.e. the head of the subsequent sub-projectile 4. Moreover, it ispossible that the rear edge of the casing 5 is adapted to the head shapeof the subsequent sub-projectile 4; as is shown in FIG. 3, the rear edgeof the casing 5 can also be stepped at 14, the steps of this rear edgeengaging into corresponding steps 15 in the head of the subsequentsub-projectile, as this is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3.

The rearmost sub-projectile 4 is supported on a blind flange 16 whichabuts against the rear end of the barrel 2 and is connected with thesub-projectile 4 by means of a bolt connection in a fashion similar tothe connection of the remaining sub-projectiles to each other, in whicha propellant charge 6 is located and which comprises a defined ratedbreak point 7.

The entire projectile 3 which is screwed together from fivesub-projectiles 4 that are screwed together and the blind flange 16 isshown in FIG. 4. This projectile 3 is inserted into the smooth barreland held by a spigot nut 17 encompassing the rear end of the barrel.

Several receiving holes 21 for ignition charges 22 are provided in theouter wall of the barrel in its longitudinal direction, these ignitioncharges having each a pyrotechnical ignition means 23 as they are e.g.known for igniting safety means in motor vehicles such as air bags orbelt tighteners and are e.g. described in the European patent 1,000,310of Applicants. The ignition means 23 have in each case an ignitionchamber in a housing that is filled with ignition material. Contact pinsproject into the ignition chamber, which are connected in the ignitionchamber by means of a resistance wire. The ignition means are receivedin a housing 24 which is insertable in a receiving hole 21. An ignitionconnector 24 is slipped onto each housing 24, which establishes theelectric contact with the contact pins of the individual ignition means.The connectors 25 are connected with each other by means of cables 26,the cable leading to the first ignition connector 25 leading to anignition means (not shown) which sequentially provides the electricignition pulses for the individual ignition charges 22. The entire unitconsisting of ignition charges, cables and ignition means is only placedonto the barrel when the weapon is used.

An ignition duct 27 leads radially into the interior of the barrel 2from the bottom of each receiving opening 21 for an ignition charge 22.The ignition duct ends in the area of the annular duct 8 of asub-projectile 4.

If the individual ignition charges 22 are sequentially ignited, theignition flame of the respective ignition charge 22 enters the annularduct 8 via the ignition duct 27, the extension of the twist-band 11being punctured. Then, the ignition flame enters the branch ducts 9 andignites the ignition charge 10 of the propellant charge 7 which is alsoignited by this. After the ignition of the propellant charge thepropellant gases flow over the overflow openings into the pressurechamber 12, as well, until such a defined pressure is exerted onto thebottom of the respective sub-projectile 4 that the rated break point 7between the propellant charge and the subsequent sub-projectile isbroken and the front sub-projectile 4 is ejected from the barrel 2.

The area of the barrel 2 in which the sub-projectiles 4 are located is asmooth barrel which is adjoined by a barrel section 2 a with twistgrooves 28 (cf. FIG. 5). As soon as the respective sub-projectilereaches the area 2 a of the barrel with the twist grooves, they engagethe twist-band 11 so that the sub-projectile is caused to rapidly rotatein order to stabilize its flight position.

A second example of embodiment of a rapid-fire weapon 1 is shown in FIG.5. Again, each sub-projectile 4 comprises a casing 5′ at its rear, whichhas an annular chamber 31 being open towards the rear, in which thepropellant charge 6 is mounted. The casing 5′ comprises a central anvil32 with which the respectively foremost sub-projectile is supported onthe sub-projectile located behind it.

The casing 5′ of each sub-projectile is extended towards the rear andprovided with an internal thread which engages into an external threadon the head of the sub-projectile located behind it and/or the blindflange 16′. This thread forms a defined rated break point 7′. In thisdesign, as well, the volume of the propellant charge is defined andlimited.

Upon the ignition of the individual ignition charges 22 the casing 5′which is formed with a rated break point 33 that is formed as an annulargroove is punctured by the ignition flame of the ignition charge 21which then directly ignites the propellant charge 6. As soon as thepressure stipulated by the rated break point 7′ is reached and the ratedbreak point 7′ breaks, the sub-projectile is ejected from the barrel 2in a controlled manner and with reproducible conditions and is setrotating by the twist grooves 28 in the area 2 a of the barrel.

1. In a weapon, in particular a rapid-fire weapon, having a barrel witha projectile insertable into the barrel, which comprises severalsub-projectiles disposed one behind the other in the longitudinaldirection of the barrel and supporting each other, a propellant chargebeing provided behind each sub-projectile, and an ignition means for thesequential ignition of the propellant charges so that thesub-projectiles are successively ejected from the barrel, theimprovement wherein: the sub-projectiles are firmly connected with eachother in the area of the propellant charges in each case by means of amechanical connection; the connections have in each case at least onerated break point which is broken in a defined fashion after theignition of the respective propellant by the pressure of the propellantgases; and the ignition means comprises for each propellant charge apyrotechnical charge which can be placed onto the barrel, whosepropellant gases enter in each case an ignition duct penetrating thewall of the barrel and ending in the area of the propellant charge andignite the respective propellant charge.
 2. A rapid-fire weaponaccording to claim 1, wherein the mechanical connection between thesub-projectiles is a screw connection.
 3. A rapid-fire weapon accordingto claim 1, wherein the propellant charge is disposed within a casing onthe rear of a sub-projectile.
 4. A rapid-fire weapon according to claim3, wherein the propellant charge is disposed in a housing which iscentrally connected in the casing both with the appertainingsub-projectile and with the subsequent sub-projectile, wherein the ratedbreak point is located in the connection with the subsequentsub-projectile and wherein the casing of the propellant charge compriseslateral overflow openings, which end in a pressure chamber delimited bythe housing of the propellant charge, the casing and the head of thesubsequent sub-projectile.
 5. A rapid-fire weapon according to claim 4,wherein the casing at the rear of the sub-projectile is supported withits rear edge on at least one of the subsequent sub-projectile and ablind flange in a pressure-tight fashion.
 6. A rapid-fire weaponaccording to claim 5, wherein the rear edge of the casing and thesubsequent sub-projectile have corresponding meshing teeth.
 7. Arapid-fire weapon according to claim 3, wherein the casing of asub-projectile is extended towards the rear and provided with aninternal thread which engages into the external thread on the head ofthe subsequent sub-projectile, this screw connection forming a ratedbreak point, and wherein the casing comprises a central anvil which issupported on the head of the subsequent sub-projectile.
 8. A rapid-fireweapon according to claim 1, wherein each sub-projectile comprises acontinuous annular duct in the area of the rear, wherein at least onebranch duct branches off from the annular duct, which leads to thepropellant charge, and that wherein an ignition duct ends in the area ofthe annular duct in the barrel, which communicates in each case with apyrotechnical ignition charge.
 9. A rapid-fire weapon according to claim8, wherein the annular duct is provided with a cover which is brokenafter the ignition of the ignition charge by the propellant gasesthereof.
 10. A rapid-fire weapon according to claim 1, wherein thepyrotechnical ignition charges for all sub-projectiles of a rapid-fireweapon are combined together with cables and the ignition means providethe ignition pulses for the ignition charges to form a structural unit,which can be placed onto the barrel only shortly prior to the use of theweapon.